Travis Etienne has been a fan favorite for Jacksonville Jaguars supporters ever since he and Trevor Lawrence made their way from Clemson in the 2021 NFL draft. But as he embarks on a new chapter with the New Orleans Saints, fans are discovering they've been saying his name wrong all along.
Etienne inked a four-year, $52 million deal with the Saints, officially joining the team on March 11. During his five seasons with Jacksonville, Etienne racked up 3,798 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, while also contributing 1,338 yards and seven touchdowns through the air. He hit the 1,000-yard rushing mark in three of his four active seasons (missing his rookie year due to a foot injury) and now sits third on the Jaguars' all-time rushing list.
In a surprising twist at his New Orleans introduction, Etienne revealed that his name was originally pronounced like De'Von Achane, the Miami Dolphins' standout running back. This revelation might sound familiar to fans who remember Achane's own name correction saga.
So, how do you pronounce Travis Etienne's name?
"Growing up, it was always Travis Etienne, pronounced like A-C-H-A-N-E," Etienne shared on March 13. "In college, I kept correcting them daily, but after four weeks, it just wasn't sticking.
So, I went with Etienne, pronounced E-T-N, because it was simpler for announcers. But now, I’m open to being Travis Etienne, pronounced Achane, again.
It feels good not having to correct people here, and I love that."
This isn't the first time a running back has had to set the record straight. De'Von Achane also had to clarify his name pronunciation during his rookie season in 2023, despite the official guide listing it differently.
Etienne's move to New Orleans marks a fresh start, not just in his career but in embracing his true identity, both on and off the field.